Post by Taylor on Aug 20, 2006 10:02:25 GMT -5
Caving 101
• Getting started: Want to start exploring underground? Because many caves have locked gates and dangerous features, the easiest way to get started is to join a local club, or grotto. The five Colorado grottos are based in Denver, Boulder, LaPorte, Colorado Springs and Glenwood Springs. Visit the National Speleological Society Web site, at www.caves.org, and click the "How to Join" button. From there, read the Local Grottos item to find contact information about the Colorado clubs.
• Beginner cave: Fulford Cave is considered the consummate beginner's cave in Colorado, because of its spectacular geological formations and because it does not require technical climbing. It is located 17 miles south of Eagle, near Yeoman Park Ranger Station and Campground. It is not gated, and maps often are posted at the trailhead.
• What to bring: The Colorado Grotto recommends dressing in warm clothing, wearing a climbing-style helmet and carrying three sources of light and a first-aid kit. And, as with a long hiking trip, taking food and water is recommended, just as long as trash and crumbs are not left behind.
• Commercial caves: There are several commercial caves in the west that offer walking tours, including:
Cave of the Winds in Manitou Springs (1-719-685-5444; http://www.CaveOfTheWinds.com)
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs (1-800-530-1635; http://www.GlenwoodCaverns.com)
Jewel Cave National Monument in Custer, S.D. (1-605-673-2288; www.nps.gov/jeca)
Carlsbad Caverns National Park in Carlsbad, N.M. (1-505-885-8884; www.nps.gov/cave)
Wind Cave National Park in Hot Springs, S.D. (1-605-745-4600; www.nps.gov/wica/).
Some of those, including Glenwood Caverns, also offer wild cave tours.
www.rockymountainnews.com/
• Getting started: Want to start exploring underground? Because many caves have locked gates and dangerous features, the easiest way to get started is to join a local club, or grotto. The five Colorado grottos are based in Denver, Boulder, LaPorte, Colorado Springs and Glenwood Springs. Visit the National Speleological Society Web site, at www.caves.org, and click the "How to Join" button. From there, read the Local Grottos item to find contact information about the Colorado clubs.
• Beginner cave: Fulford Cave is considered the consummate beginner's cave in Colorado, because of its spectacular geological formations and because it does not require technical climbing. It is located 17 miles south of Eagle, near Yeoman Park Ranger Station and Campground. It is not gated, and maps often are posted at the trailhead.
• What to bring: The Colorado Grotto recommends dressing in warm clothing, wearing a climbing-style helmet and carrying three sources of light and a first-aid kit. And, as with a long hiking trip, taking food and water is recommended, just as long as trash and crumbs are not left behind.
• Commercial caves: There are several commercial caves in the west that offer walking tours, including:
Cave of the Winds in Manitou Springs (1-719-685-5444; http://www.CaveOfTheWinds.com)
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs (1-800-530-1635; http://www.GlenwoodCaverns.com)
Jewel Cave National Monument in Custer, S.D. (1-605-673-2288; www.nps.gov/jeca)
Carlsbad Caverns National Park in Carlsbad, N.M. (1-505-885-8884; www.nps.gov/cave)
Wind Cave National Park in Hot Springs, S.D. (1-605-745-4600; www.nps.gov/wica/).
Some of those, including Glenwood Caverns, also offer wild cave tours.
www.rockymountainnews.com/